Lionel Messi (10) of Argentina runs with the ball as Álex Baena (15) of Spain runs after him during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., July 19, 2026. Messi’s retirement from the national soccer team, though widely expected, sparked fears of a diminished squad, and heartbreak over the departure of a national icon. (Vincent Alban/The New York Times) By EMMA BUBOLA They had hoped he would stay forever. When Lionel Messi announced earlier this week that he…
